Anupam Kher

Akshay Kumar has an ardent supporter in Anupam Kher who has come out openly in suppprt of the beleaguered Kumar in the nationality controversy.

Says Anupam, who was recently seen in movie (Hotel Mumbai), “Why is Akshay giving explanations to people who are questioning his nationality and nationalism? This is exactly why they are doing it. To get his attention. And he’s giving it to them. Akshay doesn’t need to prove his nationalism to these chronic haters and trollers who have done nothing for the country.”

Anupam advises Akshay to see the naysayers as a sign of his popularity. “The great Lata Mangeshkar says only trees laden with fruits get stoned. Consider yourself lucky if you are attacked. It means you matter. Akshay’s work as an actor and as a citizen of India speak for themselves, Why try to convince those who are only attacking you because they have nothing better to do?”

The versatile actor says he spent all his life ignoring the hate brigade. “The more they say I can’t do something the more determined I am to prove I can. Forget me, what about Prime Minister Modi? We have 600 artistes saying not to vote for him. I say the greatest artiste in the world Lata Mangeshkar says to vote for Modiji. Those 600 artistes can say what they like. It’s a free world.”

Anupam recently revived both his long-running plays Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai and Mera Woh Matlab NahinTha in Mumbai after a long gap. “I decided one fine day to take a break from both the plays. Now I decided to revive them. And I did. Both were resounding successes all over again. It doesn’t matter what the haters say. Their job is to play the spoilsport. Don’t give them the pleasure of feeling they’ve succeeded.”

Anupam is currently in Chandigarh to campaign for his wife Kirron Kher’s re-election. “When it comes to family I leave everything behind and run when Kirron needs me. I want her to win because she has so much more to do in her constituency.”

No plans for his own political career? “None at all. Is it not enough that I’ve to constantly face the wrath of a section of the nation without being in politics?”